
FRIENDSHIP TRAIL
Multiple day hikes on the foothill of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Are you looking for a unique way to experience Mount Kilimanjaro beyond the traditional summit routes?
The Kilimanjaro Friendship Trail is a 100 km eco-cultural hike* through the lush garden belt of Kilimanjaro, offering an immersive journey through Chagga culture, diverse nature, and spiritual heritage.
This off-the-beaten-path trek winds through banana and coffee plantations, indigenous forests, waterfalls, and hidden Chagga villages. Along the way, you’ll interact with locals, learn about the region’s history, and witness the UNESCO-recognized Chagga irrigation and farming system.
Tour Overview
Hiking Options
1. Day Trip
A great way to truly experience the vibrant local culture and stunning nature all in one enriching day is to embark on an immersive journey that combines both elements seamlessly.
2. Multi-Day Hike (3 Days+)
Perfect for before or after a safari, this experience lets you explore the area's rich culture and beautiful Kilimanjaro landscapes, helping you appreciate the lively connections beyond just seeing wildlife.
3. Acclimatization for Kilimanjaro Summiters
Helps you to prepare for high-altitude challenges while enjoying the breathtaking scenic hiking experiences.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi – Machame (Lyamungo)
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Altitude: 1,200 m
Your adventure starts in Moshi, where you’ll take public or private transport to the starting point. The trail leads through small villages and farmlands, where you’ll learn about Chagga farming, history, and culture.
Highlights:
Walk through banana and coffee plantations
Learn about Chagga history and traditions
Meet local farmers and witness daily life
Overnight: Lyamungo Retreat
Day 2: Lyamungo – Mweka
Distance: 12 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Altitude: 1,400 m
Today’s hike takes you deeper into Chagga heritage with a visit to ancient underground tunnels, once used as hiding places during tribal wars.
Highlights:
Explore historic Chagga tunnels
Visit the College of African Wildlife Management
Discuss wildlife conservation with your guide
Overnight: Mweka College Guesthouse
Day 3: Mweka – Materuni
Distance: 14 km | Duration: 6–7 hours | Altitude: 1,500 m
Hike through local farms and villages, experiencing daily Chagga life and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Highlights:
Walk past banana and coffee farms
Capture a stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro
Stay with a Chagga family in a traditional homestay
Overnight: Local Homestay
Day 4: Materuni – Fukeni
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Altitude: 1,700 m
Begin the day with a refreshing visit to Materuni Waterfall, followed by an authentic coffee-making experience. Afterward, continue your hike through lush indigenous forests.
Highlights:
Swim at Materuni Waterfall (optional)
Hands-on coffee tour with local farmers
Hike through indigenous vegetation
Overnight: Church Guesthouse
Day 5: Mweka – Materuni
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Altitude: 1,800 m
Trek through a dense rainforest, experiencing the sounds of nature and learning about the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Highlights:
Walk through untouched rainforests
Learn about medicinal plants and bird species
Overnight: Maua Seminari
Day 6: Maua – Mwika
Distance: 12 km | Duration: 6–7 hours | Altitude: 1,900 m
Experience a mix of local villages, farming lands, and untouched nature, perfect for understanding the Chagga’s deep connection to the land.
Highlights:
Walk through small Chagga villages
Observe traditional farming techniques
Overnight: Church Guesthouse
Day 7: Lake Chala & Return to Moshi (Optional)
Distance: 8 km | Duration: 3–4 hours | Altitude: 1,200 m
For those who want to extend their adventure, hike through the savanna to Lake Chala, a breathtaking crater lake on the Kenya-Tanzania border.
Highlights:
Scenic hike through savanna landscapes
Stunning views over Lake Chala
Afterward, return to Moshi by private or public transport.
Cultural Immersion: Meet and interact with Chagga communities
Scenic Beauty: Hike through forests, waterfalls, and farmlands
Eco-Tourism & Sustainability: Support local communities and conservation efforts
Flexible Options: Choose from one-day, multi-day, or full 7-day treks
Great for Kilimanjaro Climbers: Perfect for pre-summit acclimatization